St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-06-18
THE CONFEDERATE FLAGS.
Endicott's Primal Responsibility
for the Rumpus.

EndicOttS Primal ReSponSIbIiity
for the Rumpus.
Special to the Globe
WASHINGTON, June 17.-Itis rumored
that the secretary of war be asked to re-
sign on account of the battle-flag inn
broglio. 1t is the duty of cabinet Of
ticers to investigate the law on all
points before making a recommends
ton to the president. The secretary of
war made his recommendation, and the
president supposed he had investigated
everything necessary, and hence con-
CURED in the recommendation. 1t is
alleged that Villas became angry at the
cabinet meeting yesterday and de-
manded that the order be rescinded.
He said the old soldiers were appealing
to him by telegraph and letter. 1t is
claimed that Adjt. Gen. Drum was
m:sled by Gen. BoyntOn, who
suggested the return of the battle
flags, and then when the matter
started Boynton employed counsel to
defend the flags. 1t was Shrewd pO-
litical job and the president was caught
in the tap by the carelessness of the
secretary of war. Hence his resignation
upon the recommendation of the party
leaders The Eastern newspapers are
full OF discussions of the matter. The
best thus far seen is in special to the
Baltimore Sun. from Richmond, which
says that Gov. FitZ Hugh Lee, discussing
this matter last night, said: 1.-THE pro-
poSal 10 return the Southern battle flags
did not originate with Southern soldiers.
While they would have accepted again
then banners bathed in the blood of
brave comrades, they recognized ahat
flags captured in battle are the property
OF the victOrS. and are content to let
them remain in their charge. The flags
captured from Northern troops by
Southern soldiers have,been returned.
The country should not again be agi-
taxed ever pieces of bunting that mean
nothing now. The South is part and
parcel of the Union to-day, and means
TO do her part toward increasing the
prosperity and maintaining the peace
of the republic, whether flags rot in
Washington or are restored to their
formers custodians. If any man hauls
down the American flag shoot him on
the spot, but don't let Us set into trouble
because other flags simply change their
resting place"
WASHINGTON, June 17.-The official
record Of the presentation of the battle
tiag proposition TO the preSidentconSistS
"
Drum and its. Endorsement by Secretary
rEndic6tt:
WAR DEPARTMENT, ApIUEANT GENERALS
OFFICE WASHINGTON, JUNE -1O.-WILLIAM
ENDlcoTT, secretary of War: Dear Sir
have the honor TO state that there are now
in this Office (stored i'll one of the atticS of the
building) number Of flags captured in ac
ton. but recovered at the fall of the Confed-
eracy and forwarded TO the War department
for safe keeping, together with number OF
placed i'll our hands during the late civil war;
Willie III the past, favorable action has al
ways heen taken on application, properly
surpo! ted. for tie return OF Union flags to
organizations representing. the survivors CT
military regiments in the service of the gov
ernment, j beg to submit that it would be Il
graceful act to anticipate future requests of
This nature. and venture to suggest the
rropriety Of returning all the flags Union
and Confederate) to the authorities of the
respective States in which the regiments
which bore these colors were organized, for
such final disposition AZ they may determine
While III Al OF The civilized nations of the
cid world trophies taken IN war against for
cj2D enemies have been casually preserved
and exhibited as proud mementoes Of the ma
ton military glorieS. wise and obvious rea-
sons have always excepted from the rules
evidences of past internecine troubles
which. by appeals to the arbitration of the
sword, have disturbed the peaceful march of
a PEOPLE to its destiny. Over twenty years
elapsed since the termination of the late
civil war Many Of the prominent leaders,
civil and military. of the late Confederate
states, now honored representatives. of the
people in the national cOuncilsior in other
eminent positions, lend the aid of their tai
entS to the wise administration Of the affairs
of The whole country, and the people of the
several states comprising the Union are now
united creating the broad and glorious
future. Impressed with these facts, / have
The honor 10 submit the suggestion made in
n il
will receive at your hands.
r. G. DRUM, Adjutant General.
The Endorsement of the secretary of
waf upon this letter is as follows:
War Department. May 26.-The within
recommendation is approved by the presi-
dent and the adjutant general will prepare
letters 10 the governors OF these states
whose troops carried the colors and flags
pow in This department, with the offer TO re-
turn them as herein proposed. The history
of each flag and the circumstances of its cap
ture TO be given. WILLIAM E. ENDlCorT,
Secretary of War